NWT minister says labor shortage critical

Northwest Territories Industry Minister Brendan Bell says “labor — or the lack of it — is a critical issue” for proponents of the two northern gas pipeline projects.

But, like most political leaders, he sees no reason why the two undertakings would need to overlap.

Bell told a Washington, D.C., conference March 9 that the Mackenzie pipeline, scheduled to start deliveries in 2011, should be finished “long before Alaska proceeds,” although the gap between the two is no guarantee that shortages of skilled labor will not pose a problem.

However, he said there is a concern about the production of pipe, given the pressures on the manufacturing sector.

“If there are delays for one, there will be delays for the other,” he said.

Bell also gave assurances to his U.S. audience that at least some of the 6 trillion cubic feet of Mackenzie Delta known gas reserves will reach the Lower 48 and will not all be diverted to the Alberta oil sands.

He said Canada’s commitment to be a “key part of the North American energy relationship” requires that Mackenzie gas should find its way into U.S. homes.

—Gary Park